Tottenham v Newcastle Odds: Back a draw in the White Hart Lane betting

The live Premier League kick-off on Saturday lunchtime comes from White Hart Lane as Tottenham take on Newcastle. Spurs go into the game in fourth place, just a point behind Chelsea in third, but they are in the midst of a striker shortage, while a rejuvenated Newcastle are suddenly looking onwards and upwards following successive league wins.

The Magpies had looked like they were going to be pulled into a relegation dogfight for the next few months but wins over Aston Villa and Chelsea have lifted them up to 15th place and six points clear of relegation. They go into this weekend's game as 4/1 underdogs and it is Spurs who are 4/6 odds on favourites, while the draw can be backed at a tempting 11/4 with Ladbrokes.

Spurs are on a fine run of form as they look to seal that all-important top-four finish and Champions League football for next season. They have won eight and lost only one of their last 13 league fixtures and they are unbeaten in their last nine in the top flight. That run ensures they are right in the mix at the top of the table but Andre Villas-Boas has a real selection headache for Saturday.

Main striker Jermain Defoe misses the game through injury, while their other recognised forward, Emmanuel Adebayor, will only return from the African Cup of Nations 24 hours before kick-off. Adebayor is 5/1 to be first scorer but Villas-Boas has hinted that Gareth Bale could be handed a role up front after scoring six in his last eight appearances for the club.

Bale was on target for Wales in mid-week too as he scored in their 2-1 win over Austria and he is 11/2 to score first in the latest betting with Ladbrokes. Tottenham have tended to take a while to get going this season though as they have scored the highest proportion of their goals in the second half of matches (74%).

Furthermore, they have scored just one goal in the first half of their last 11 league outings. With that in mind, it could be worth a look at the 23/20 on offer for the second half to involve most Spurs goals on Saturday, while Ladbrokes go 21/10 for Tottenham's first goal to be scored in the second half.

It bodes well for Tottenham that they have won the last three Spurs v Newcastle fixtures at White Hart Lane without conceding a goal, including a 5-0 win here last year. However, Newcastle will be looking for revenge from that result and their influx of January signings has ensured that they are a rejuvenated side.

They won 2-1 at Aston Villa to record their first away win of the season and then beat Chelsea 3-2 at home. New signing Moussa Sissoko was instrumental in both of those wins as the midfielder scored two in the win over Chelsea and he is a juicy 14/1 to be first goalscorer on Saturday.

Alan Pardew's side should be full of confidence after those results and the pressure of relegation has eased considerably. They did beat Spurs 2-1 at St James' Park earlier this season and they could grab a valuable point this weekend against a Tottenham team who may be left to rue their failure to sign a striker during the January transfer window.

Tottenham v Newcastle Form

Check the season's statistics for both Tottenham and Newcastle, plus the odds ahead of Saturday's match.

Ladbrokes are one of the highest rated online bookmakers in the UK and are a superb choice for placing your bets. You can claim a free bet of up to £25 when opening a new account with Ladbrokes by clicking on one of the links on this site.

Online Casino Blackjack and Roulette Games

Those looking for some online casino entertainment ought to check out all the latest UK Casino Sign Up offers from the top operators including 32Red and many of the sports betting casinos.There is excellent information, should you be interested in playing online blackjack, roulette, the best progressives or slots - Online Casino Betting with the best introductory offers